Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Care
Recent legislation has changed the eligibility requirements for VA medical care. In some
cases, veterans and their families may still be eligible to receive medical benefits through
VA. However, VA's medical care system is set up to provide quality medical care to those who
need it most and can afford it least.
This means that the least fortunate veterans may receive unlimited medical care at no
cost. On the other hand, most veterans will find their VA medical benefits are
limited. Therefore, these "typical" veterans should
not rely on the VA as their sole source of medical services.
If you served in the Gulf War, the Office of the Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses has
established a website
http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/ to provide
information to you. In addition to the website, you may also call the Gulf War/Agent Orange
Hotline at 1-800-749-8387 for additional information.
VA Health Care Eligibility
Eligibility for VA health care is dependent upon a number of variables, which may influence
the final determination of the services for which you qualify. These factors include the
nature of your discharge from military service (e.g., honorable, other than honorable,
dishonorable), length of service, and the VA determination on any service-connected disability
claims, income level, and the available VA resources.
Generally, you must be enrolled in the VA health care system to receive benefits offered in
the Medical Benefits Package. To apply for VA health care benefits, including enrollment you
must fill out an application. Enrollment forms and instructions can be found at:
https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/.
The application process is used to determine:
1. Whether you have qualifying service as a veteran
2. What your veteran status is so that you can be placed into one of the eight priority
groups
Eligibility for health care through VA is a two-step process:
1. VA must determine your eligibility status as a veteran
by reviewing your:
- Character of Discharge from active military service, and your
- Length of active military service
2. VA must determine whether you qualify for one of eight
enrollment priority groups
Call your VA regional office toll free at 1-800-827-1000.
Disabled Veterans
The VA makes an important distinction among veterans with disabilities. Veterans whose
disability is service connected fall under the mandatory classification of VA medical
care. Veterans whose disability is non-service connected fall under the discretionary
classification.
Family Members and Survivors
The VA may provide medical care for the children and spouse of a veteran with a
service-connected disability, even after the veteran's death. For information, see the section
on CHAMPVA
.
Lower Income Veterans
Lower income veterans receive benefits similar to those in the mandatory
classification. To contact the VA for details call 1-800-827-1000 or visit
http://www.va.gov/ to find the nearest VA
facility.
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009
